Lunch time assistant clothes and trousers help

[Rosaphenee]

Hello, I've just got a new job as a lunch time assistant at a primary school and I've just looked in my wardrobe and have no clue what to wear

I was thinking no low cut tops or mini skirts/dresses so I can move about no problems, but apart from that I'm clueless

I normally wear midi skirts and dresses as I really struggle to find trousers that fit me, they either fit bum/thigh but gape massively at the waist or they fit waist but are too tight on bum/thigh area.

Any suggestions?

What about leggings and a dress or long top?

Uniqlo trousers are great as they are elasticated around the back, my trousers normally gape there and it solves that problem, they are smart but not too expensive and in the sale they go down to about £7. Next have a pair of ankle length trousers for £8 in there clearance, I also work in a school and bought 5 pairs, I wear with Clark's hamble oaks and various shirts.

I wouldn't recommend dresses if you are likely to be outside in the weather over the next few months, if you are outside invest in a good coat.

I'm a lunch lady but in the kitchen side so we wear uniform, but the midday meal supervisors wear their own clothes, I'd say they dress fairly casually with comfortable clothes and shoes for running round the playground. Jeans and sweatshirt or leggings with a tunic dress and cardigan. Not smart but not scruffy.

Dresses with nice warm leggings and comfortable winter boots would be fine especially if that is what you feel most comfortable in.
As it gets colder you can get warm insoles or thicker socks.
Thermals are great especially when out in the playground
A warm coat with pockets for gloves and hats and all the other bits you will need
Classrooms are colder this winter as we have the windows open to help with ventilation.
So a warm cardigan to pop on.
Make sure everything is machine washable
Its a lovely job and great fun

Thank you all for your suggestions, I'm thinking my thermal tights and boots with something midi.

@HPandTheNeverEndingBedtime what is Uniqlo sizing like? I've seen a few pairs of the elasticated waistband trousers on Vinted that I like but never had anything from there before

I find the uniqlo sizing similar to Next but it's lettered and as they are elasticated I find fit well into the following categories depending on if you are in between sizes. Uniqlo heat tech tops are brilliant too and super warm, I often team the trousers up with a black roll neck or round neck one and jersey blazer and maybe a colourful necklace.
Xxl =16/18
Xl= 14/16
L= 12/14
M=10/12
S= 8/10
Xs=6/8

Don't spend a fortune but if you are hoping to move into a classroom role as a TA etc I'd dress for the job you want and verge on comfortable but smart instead of too casual.

I'd say it depends very much on the school-for example some are fine for you to wear trainers, but some are not.
Remember you will be on your feet, out in the cold and possibly rain. Most schools do not have the children inside at lunchtime unless it is absolutely pouring. So you will need a coat that is waterproof but you also need warmth. I have a down filled gilet to go under my raincoat, plus gloves, hat and scarf. Maybe a raincoat big enough to fit over a down/quilted jacket. Boots are good. Layers are good as is thermal underwear. Don't underestimate how cold you can get when you are just standing around!
Personally I should think you'd freeze in ankle length trousers and Hamble Oak shoes- that's fine for indoors, but not outside in winter. You might well find that dresses with thermal leggings and boots work, and you can wear a heat tech slip under the dress for an extra layer.

@HPandTheNeverEndingBedtime thank you so much, yes I am hoping to become an EYFS practitioner eventually🤞

@DelphiniumBlue thank you for your suggestions, I've got a couple of pairs of leather boots, super thick socks and some good coats. Will look into a thermal slip though as the one I wear doesn't do much in terms of warmth 🙂

I'm an MSA and I dress smart casual but no Jeans.

My school I work at you have to wear a polo top and a hivis vest

I bought a pair of these jersey wide leg trousers from M&S the other day. They are stretchy so very comfortable but smart enough for one of my rare visits to the office, so would work for both the playground and if you did move into an indoor/EYFS practitioner role. Great price too. I bought the black but they have grey, navy and khaki as well.

Also Uniqlo ultra light down jackets are amazing. Far warmer than they look but also not at all bulky so if it was really freezing you could throw another coat on over the top.

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